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Atim Eneida George, Ph.D. is a 2020 graduate of the PHD Program in Leadership and Change at Antioch University.

Dr. George at her Dissertation Defense.

L-R: Dr. Richard McGuigan, Committee Member, Dr. Jon Wergin, Committee Chair, Dr. Laurien Alexandre, Committee Member

Dissertation Committee

  • Jon Wergin, Ph.D., Committee Chair
  • Laurien Alexandre, Ph.D., Committee Member
  • Richard McGuigan, Ph.D., Committee Member

Keywords

African American Women, Ancestral Archive, Foreign Service, Diplomatic Practice, Generativity, Intersectionality, Leadership, Social Justice, Portraiture, Oral History, Polyvocal Narrative, Prosocial Behavior, Arts-Based Research, Legacy

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2020

Abstract

There is a gap in the literature on generativity and the leadership philosophy and praxis of African American Female Foreign Service Officers (AAFFSOs). I addressed this deficit, in part, by engaging an individual of exceptional merit and distinction—Aurelia Erskine Brazeal—as an exemplar of AAFFSOs. Using qualitative research methods of portraiture and oral history, supplemented by collage, mind mapping and word clouds, this study examined Brazeal’s formative years in the segregated South and the extraordinary steps her parents took to protect her from the toxic effects of racism and legal segregation. In addition, I explored the development of Brazeal’s interest in international affairs and her trailblazing diplomatic career. In an effort to understand her leadership philosophy and praxis, the study engaged eight additional research respondents, ranging from proteges and colleagues to Brazeal’s fictive daughter, Joan Ingati. Drawing from the Iroquois Great Law of Peace, this study employed the concept of generativity—concern for the welfare and well-being of future generations—as a focal lens. The research concluded that in order to be effective in the 21st century, leaders would do well to emulate Brazeal’s example as a generative leader. This dissertation is accompanied by 11 audio files. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA: Antioch University Repository and Archive, http://aura.antioch.edu/ and OhioLINK ETD Center, https://etd.ohiolink.edu.

Comments

Atim Eneida George, Ph.D.

ORCID Scholar ID #: #0000-0002-6175-395x

Atim Eneida George was a U.S. diplomat for 30 years serving in Africa and Latin America. Her diplomatic portfolio included work on complex international challenges such as the climate crisis, HIV/AIDS, immigration, human rights, and democratization. An engaging and informative keynote speaker, she was nominated by former Congressman Solomon Ortiz for the Congressional Community Service Award. The American Foreign Service Association honored Atim with the coveted Harriman Award for “extraordinary contributions to the practice of diplomacy exemplifying intellectual courage and a zeal for creative accomplishment.” Among her many other accolades are a State Department Superior Honor Award for “forging smart partnerships that promote democratic values and advance international understanding, exemplifying the best use of America’s ‘soft power’ to influence and persuade.” During her service in Nigeria, Atim was honored with a Chieftaincy title, Yeye Araba, by the Ooni of Ile Ife and she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Babcock University for her work in Diplomacy and Peace Initiatives. A Fellow of the Salzburg Global Seminar, she holds degrees in Speech Communications, Education, Creative Expression and Leadership. Atim earned her doctorate in Leadership and Change at Antioch University. Her dissertation research, Generative Leadership and the Life of Aurelia Erskine Brazeal, a Trailblazing African American Female Foreign Service Officer, examines the relationship between generativity* and leadership. Atim is married to the love of her life, Dr. Levi ‘Zee’ Zangai; she is the mother of four and as of this writing, Atim has 4 talented grandchildren. Atim loves to dance, travel and is a student of world mythology.

*Generativity is a concern for establishing and guiding the next generation.

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